Change is the Only Constant

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.” So, if you have been in the library recently, you will notice some changes going on. Besides reorganizing our adult fiction, DVD and music CD collections and hiring new staff members, we are adding services and making improvements to the building.

Over the years, the Leavenworth Library Foundation has
provided some of the new technology that patrons enjoy. This week, we were very
excited to install three new color copiers, courtesy of the Foundation’s annual
donation. Last year, their generosity paid for new furniture. Previous contributions
included a CD/DVD cleaner, 12 laptops for patrons to check out within the
library and two large screen smart TVs and laptops for presentations in our
meeting rooms. Without the Foundation’s gifts, we couldn’t fully afford to upgrade
our equipment.

Getting back to the copiers-they don’t seem like glamorous items to get overly excited about. However, people will be more than thrilled with the added services now available to them. Our patrons make nearly 2,000 copies per month. While our old machines did a good job for several years, they were worn out and provided only basic black and white copies. The new machines print in black and white or color and have double-sided printing capability. The cost for patrons to make copies is still only 10 cents per [one-sided] page. Patrons can now also print wirelessly from a laptop, tablet or smart phone if they are connected to the Library’s Wi-Fi network. Finally, the new copiers allow patrons to scan a document to save on a flash drive. Scanning is free.

Other changes at the Library are structural. The Library’s
atrium has always been a pleasant, sunny area in which to read. However, the
curved windows that let in the sunlight were leaking, damaging the wall and
floor. The City of Leavenworth, which is responsible for repairs to our
building, is almost done with the atrium replacement project. They are also
remodeling the Library’s main restrooms. They have needed an upgrade for years.
The City is replacing the stalls, flooring and wall tiles. This project should
be completed during the next week or so.

A modern philosopher, Bob Dylan, also has wise words on
change in one of his most famous songs:

“…As the present now
Will later be past
The order is rapidly fadin’
And the first one now will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’”

The Library has Dylan’s music in its collection as well as books about Greek philosophers and remodeling in case you want to know more. Change is good, knowledge is even better.